New streamer


I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.

That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC.  The improvement there should be very nice. 

My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node. 
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral. 
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:

Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.

Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.  
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi  Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.

EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender. 
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy  

Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.

 LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce

@12many  I too was a disbeliever. I recently upgraded my Node to Lumin U2 Mini for the same reason, just to see if there is a difference like many have said. There is. 

@signaforce hmmmm I don’t remember that USB thread. 
as to break in, don’t worry about it, just enjoy the music. If you don’t hear any changes during the 200hr time period that’s fine. Some cables change, some don’t. 

@evank   Just the opposite, I said I have an open mind and that I don't understand, from a technical standpoint, why it would sound different.  There are lots of things I don't understand from a technical standpoint.  : )

@audphile1 

as to break in, don’t worry about it, just enjoy the music. If you don’t hear any changes during the 200hr time period that’s fine.

I’m feeling a little nauseous from my break in ride with this GTX NCF plug 🤢- just passed 230 hour mark- hopefully clear sailing ahead and she should be broken in just in time for my new streamer. 😁

I'd add the current line of Cambridge Audio streamers to the list.  Very solid performers and very good values that do not get much attention in these high end audio parts, which is a mistake.